Ten Reasons for a Strong Church

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  —Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

When God established this church in 1894 I believe that He intended for it to last until Jesus returns! We are an asset to the community and to the Kingdom of God. A church is a growing entity that must continually seek God’s will and wisdom so that we can meet the changing needs of the community it serves. At one time Loyal had three physicians and several more businesses. It also had at least two more churches.

Things changed, but people still need to meet God on a personal basis and need to fellowship in a safe environment where they can see Christianity in action and be taught the things of God.

Therefore, I believe that there are many more things for us to accomplish.

When I grew up, the home church taught us to have a “dissatisfied satisfaction.” By that they meant that we should be happy with what God had accomplished in our lives. However, we should always be looking for new ways to serve.

I Timothy 6:6, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”

While we have more empty benches on Sunday mornings than any of us like, we should not be embarrassed that we are a small church. In fact, the fastest growing segment of churches is home churches. A recent George Barna study said focused on home churches.

Here is how he described the meetings – usually of 20 people or less:

· 93% have spoken prayer during their meetings

· 90% read from the Bible

· 89% spend time serving people outside of their group

· 87% devote time to sharing personal needs or experiences

· 85% spend time eating and talking before or after the meeting

· 83% discuss the teaching provided

· 76% have a formal teaching time

· 70% incorporate music or singing

· 58% have a prophecy or special word delivered

· 52% take an offering from participants that is given to ministries

· 51% share communion

· 41% watch a video presentation as part of the learning experience

Our nation has over 200 million people in it. Depending on which statistics you read there are at least 76 million and 180 million that are unchurched.

Assuming that most people that never attend church are not saved that means a lot of people going to hell. While we are not responsible for the whole world, we are responsible for those in our neighborhood. In order to minister to our part of the world we need a strong church, so here are ten reasons for us to consider.

Reasons for a strong church:

1.     Evangelism – reach those that do not know Jesus Christ as their personal savior.

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. -Philippians 1:3-6

God's gifts and His call are irrevocable.  -Romans 11:29

2.     Discipleship – Jesus commanded us to win the lost and then to disciple them. This means a strong teaching program through Sunday school, preaching the Word, living the Word, and Bible studies.

"Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."  Mark 16:15-19

3.     Worship – Corporate worship brings us closer to God. Even though the God the Holy Spirit dwells in our hearts, worshiping with others will elevate our personal spiritual level.

4.     Training – Teachers always learn more than their students. While we cannot all teach a class (somebody has to be the student), we can teach through drama, music, witnessing, women’s fellowship, men’s fellowship and youth groups.

5.     Family support. Studies have shown that people that attend church on a regular basis live longer because of the emotional support church provides. Further, there is less delinquency and drug use among children that attend church on a regular basis.

6.     Weak churches do not survive. I believe that God put this church in Loyal for a purpose. He has provided us with beautiful facilities and adequate funding. We have strong leadership and a deep abiding love for each other. Nationwide, between 50 and 75 churches close each week. More than 80% of the churches nationwide have plateaued or are declining. 51.9 million people in the U.S. between the ages of 20-38 are not connected with the existing churches. (Gallup Poll) As Rick Warren says, “We need all kinds of churches to reach all kinds of people!”

7.     Perpetuating the work of God. Home churches certainly have value – but there are many reasons for churches with ordained clergy – Weddings, funerals, strength in witness, etc.

      Also, there is a shortage of ministers. We have a responsibility to provide a spiritual environment where young men and women can feel and respond to the call for ministry.

 8.    Being a Christian makes you a better spouse, parent, child and citizen. Our nation was founded on Biblical principles. The preamble to the constitution in every state includes a statement about God.

 9.    Fellowship – We will enjoy that this evening at our Valentine Banquet!

 10. Servanthood – We are called to be servants, and Jesus set the standard!

 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave--just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."  -Matthew 20:25-28

I have no idea who wrote the following. I found it at www.sermonillustrations.com.  However, the ideas are worthy of consideration:  

- Live churches' expenses are always more than their income; dead churches don't need much money!
- Live churches have parking problems; Dead churches have empty spaces!
- Live churches may have some noisy children; Dead churches are quiet as a cemetery.
- Live churches keep changing their ways of doing things; Dead churches see no need for change!
- Live churches grow so fast you can't keep up with people's names; In dead churches everybody always knows everybody's name.
- Live churches strongly support world missions; Dead churches keep the money at home!
- Live churches are full of regular, cheerful givers; Dead churches are full of grudging tippers!
- Live churches move ahead on prayer and faith; Dead churches work only on sight!
- Live churches plant daughter churches; Dead churches fear spending the money, time, and talent!
- Live churches outgrow their Sunday School facilities; Dead churches have room to spare!
- Live churches welcome all classes of people; Dead churches stick to their own kind!
- Live churches' members read their Bibles and bring them to church; Dead churches' members seldom do!
- Live churches' members enthusiastically support the ministries; Dead churches have no ministries--only functions!
- Live churches' members look for someone they can help; Dead churches' members look for something to complain about!
- Live churches' members reach out to share their faith in Christ; Dead churches' members don't have enough to share!                                                  - Source Unknown

 Thank the Lord, We are a LIVE Church!